Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, including a base, and a bench with a footing that is integral with the base. The device includes two rails defining an axis XX′, two carriages mounted mobile in translation on the rails, two uprights integral with these carriages as well as dumbbell supports carried by the uprights.

This invention relates to a weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions.

It is known that individuals are increasingly concerned with health, well-being, as well as physical appearance.

Weight-lifting in particular is increasingly widespread at every level both for weightlifters desiring to maintain various muscles, combined with other indoor “fitness” disciplines, and for weightlifters desiring a more intensive training that aims to sculpt the body by complex and sustained exercise.

Since the muscles of the body are extremely numerous, it is necessary, to have them work in a particular way, to individualize said exercise, and to use suitable devices that make it possible to assume a great many configurations to perform this exercise.

Another problem remains assistance because in the case of heavy loads, it is necessary, for safety, that a companion monitor the exercises so that in case of weakness, assistance can be given by said companion.

In addition, in the case of exercises with dumbbells, all the more if they are of heavier weight, undesired movements are unsatisfactory, particularly at the moment of taking up or putting back said dumbbells on their supports. The wrists, forearms, and elbows are greatly stressed.

Dumbbells are generally carried and laid down on the ground while waiting to proceed to the exercise, and it is rare to pre-position them on supports as is regularly done in the case of loaded bars.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,898 is known that describes weight-rests, positioned laterally, mobile in translation on guide rails in relation to a receiving bench for the weightlifter.

In contrast, such a support has no rotation of the dumbbell support and thereby it is not possible to place the dumbbells suitably depending on the different exercises to be performed.

U.S. patent US 2005/009671 describes the presence of dumbbell supports on a weight-lifting rack, and these dumbbell supports can be oriented in rotation because of a mounting with a single bolt to a rack, but there is no mounting for pivoting. To change the pivoting angle, it is necessary to unbolt the holding bolt, to adjust the angle, and to rebolt.

Thus, according to this document, it is not possible to put the dumbbells back into place after an exercise lying down, for example, and to have the supports pivot to be able to get up from the bench without being disturbed by the presence of said dumbbells.

This invention proposes a weight-lifting device with dumbbells that makes possible very large numbers of arrangements with a very high scalability so that the weightlifter can perform a very large number of exercises while avoiding undesired or impossible movements due to the degrees of freedom of the skeleton.

This invention is proposed according to three embodiments:

-   -   a stationary bench, posts that are mobile in translation as in         inclination,     -   a bench that is mobile in translation, posts that are stationary         in translation and mobile in inclination, dumbbell rests that         are mobile in translation and in rotation,     -   a bench, mobile in translation and in rotation, posts that are         stationary in translation and mobile in inclination with         dumbbell rests that are mobile in translation and stationary in         rotation.

The device according to this invention has a high level of compactness with regard to the important scalability and follows all regulations.

The weight-lifting device according to this invention is now described in detail according to the three embodiments, in a nonlimiting way, the various drawings showing:

FIG. 1: a perspective view of the complete device, according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 2: a view of the device of FIG. 1 in a configuration with the bench in horizontal position,

FIG. 3: a view of the device of FIG. 1 in a configuration with the back of the bench in inclined position,

FIG. 4: a view of the device of FIG. 1 in a configuration with the back of the bench in vertical position,

FIG. 5: a perspective view of the complete device according to a third embodiment,

FIG. 6: a view of the device of FIG. 5 in a configuration with the bench in horizontal position,

FIG. 7: a view of the device of FIG. 5 in a configuration with the back in inclined or vertical position and facing the uprights.

The weight-lifting device is now described according to FIG. 1.

This FIG. 1 shows a base 10 comprising two longitudinal rails 12G and 12D that define a longitudinal axis XX′, X being the back of the device and X′ being the front of said device.

This base 10 also comprises lateral stabilization elements 14, in this case an arc placed at the back of the base.

The device further comprises a bench 16 intended to accommodate the weightlifter, said bench being oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis XX′. This bench 16 comprises a footing 18 that is integral with the base so as to have a monolithic arrangement and a bench plane comprising a seat 20-1 and a back 20-2.

The two parts, seat 20-1 and back 20-2, are generally mobile by pivoting each relative to the footing 18 so as to make possible a modification of the angle of each of the two parts relative to said footing, as a function of the exercise to be performed.

The footing and the seat/back parts are placed between the two rails, advantageously, in centered position.

A dumbbell rack or racks 22, in this case two racks 22G and 22D, are generally placed at the back of the device, in a non-exercise zone. These racks support the sets of dumbbells of different weights.

The device is completed by vertical supports 24 in the form of uprights 24G, 24D. These uprights advantageously have a carriage 26G, 26D at each of their feet.

This carriage 26G, 26D has a shape that is combined with that of each of the rails so that said uprights can take any intermediate position in translation between the back and the front of the rails.

Each carriage 26G, 26D ensures the retention of the upright that, itself, is made integral relative to the rail, both in front/back tilting and in left/right lateral tilting.

Each carriage has an inverted U section, the base of said U sliding on the rails and flanges connecting the wings, sliding under the rails.

The carriage could also take the shape of a sheath, with a wrap-around section, which is able to be superposed on that of the rail.

In the improved embodiment according to this invention, each upright is immobilized in vertical position but also comprises an unlocked position. Then, in the unlocked position, limited tilting means 28 are provided for the uprights. These limited tilting means 28G and 28D comprise a pivoting axis 30G, 30D for each upright, these axes being oriented perpendicular to the axis XX′ so as to make possible a limited tilting of each upright by a given angle α toward the front relative to the vertical and by a given angle β toward the back relative to the vertical; in this case, the two angles α and β can be equal and have a value between 15° and 30°, to give a rough idea.

These angles are adjustable by means of stops 34-1G and 34-2G, 34-1D and 34-2D, each comprising, for example, an adjustment bolt that goes through said stops. Each bolt serves as a stop resting on the upper surface of the carriage.

Any other form of stops, particularly circular racks, would be suitable. It is also possible to provide predetermined angles as a function of the known and most practiced exercises.

Also, the point of absorbing loads on the uprights can be located higher than shown diagrammatically in the drawings, this being within the scope of a person skilled in the art that ensures the sizing calculation, the arrangement having to ensure that the exercise zone is not encroached upon.

Each upright 24G, 24D comprises dumbbell supports 36, mobile in translation along said uprights, in the present case, of the supports 36G and 36D as well as counterweights 37G and 37D that are associated with said supports.

Each dumbbell support 36G and 36D comprises a plate 38G, 38D and is integral with a sleeve 40G, 40D. Each sleeve 40G, 40D is mobile in translation on the upright 24G, 24D that carries said dumbbell support. Means for locking in position, not shown, are provided to immobilize said sleeve at a given height, for example a pin and a scale of holes, made along the upright for ease, or self-locking brake pads, pressed by a spring with a braking capacity proportional to the needs: the heavier the load, the greater the braking.

Each dumbbell support 36G and 36D, and its associated counterweight 37G and 37D, comprises connecting means 42G, 42D with the sleeve that carries it, connecting means that are mobile in rotation, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the upright and therefore to the axis of the sleeve.

Each plate 38G, 38D is, in an improved way, composed of two half-plates 38G-1, 38G-2 and 38D-1, 38D-2 leaving a free space E for gripping, with a width that is approximately equal to the passage of a hand and/or of a wrist/forearm. This important arrangement makes it possible to grab the dumbbell, with a totally ergonomic position with regard to the exercise to be performed. It is the same when putting each dumbbell back into place on its support, after exercise.

Each half-plate comprises, in a known way, means for retaining dumbbells on said half-plates, for example depressions made on the surface of said plates, depressions in which the heavy parts of the dumbbells are positioned, generally disks, placed at the ends of a handle, said handle then being centered on the free space E for gripping. The depressions can be replaced or completed by suitable edges and in this case, the retaining means consist of an L-shaped profile to ensure a locking of each dumbbell in the direction in which the weightlifter cannot ensure this locking. Advantageously, the disks of the dumbbells can have a polygonal shape to improve stability.

The use of the weight-lifting device according to this invention occurs in the way that is now described with regard to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

According to a first configuration, the uprights are translated to the back of the device by movement of the carriages toward the back of the base.

The weightlifter positions the bench horizontally both for seating and for the back. A negative inclination of the back 20-2 can even be allowed.

The weightlifter adjusts by height each dumbbell support 36G and 36D, an optional adjustment integrated into the upright making it possible to position said supports at the same height.

The dumbbell supports 36G, 36D are then oriented toward the front, the counterweights 37G, 37D toward the back.

The weightlifter grabs the set of dumbbells that suits him from the racks 22G, 22D and then positions each of the dumbbells on the corresponding plate 38G, 38D of the dumbbell supports 36G and 36D. The counterweights 37G, 37D cause the uprights to tilt toward the back, along the angle permitted by the inclination adjustment means and hold them in this position.

The weightlifter can then take his place on the bench, and he needs no assistance.

The weightlifter then makes each of the uprights pivot toward the front, to then grab each dumbbell under the right conditions. It is enough for him to put each hand through the space E to grab the central handle of each dumbbell. The dumbbell is perfectly positioned and the weightlifter has his wrist and his forearm perfectly aligned so that even in case of a heavy load, the movements of all of the muscles of the body, back and legs included are satisfactory.

As soon as the dumbbells are taken off their plate 38G, 38D, the dumbbell supports 36G and 36D tilt toward the back, without encroaching on the exercise zone of the weightlifter, under the action of the counterweights.

The weightlifter can then perform the desired and possible series of exercises in this configuration, while avoiding injuries.

When the series is completed, the weightlifter keeps the dumbbells in high position and tilts the stretched or substantially stretched arms backward to replace the dumbbells on their plates.

When the weightlifter desires to perform exercises with the back inclined, for example press exercises—lying down, reclined, inclined—he adjusts the inclination of said back and of the seat; for example, for doing press exercises lying down, the bench will be horizontal.

The weightlifter then adjusts in translation the two carriages by advancing them so as to position them in relation to the seat in inclined position because the weightlifter will be in an advanced position relative to the supports. Reference marks on the rails make it possible to determine immediately the suitable position as a function of the inclination of the seat.

The weightlifter then adjusts the height of the two dumbbell supports 36G and 36D and selects the set of dumbbells that suit him for the exercises to come.

Once in place, the weightlifter proceeds to his series of exercises. The uprights are systematically brought back into inclined position to clear the exercise zone.

During still other exercises, such as shoulder-press exercises, the configuration requires having dumbbells in front position, with a vertical back.

The weightlifter adjusts in translation the two carriages of the two uprights toward the front by translation of the carriages. The uprights are in front of the seat that is in a 90° position, the back being vertical and therefore the seat in horizontal position.

In this case, the dumbbell supports 36G and 36D are oriented toward the back relative to the uprights, opposite the weightlifter sitting on his seat, and the counterweights 37G and 37D are oriented toward the front, the assembly having been pivoted.

The uprights are unlocked and the means for limiting the inclination are adjusted in a suitable fashion.

When the dumbbell supports 36G and 36D are oriented toward the back, the counterweights 37G and 37D are oriented toward the front and the empty or loaded uprights are tilted toward the front in stable position.

The weightlifter can then take his place on the bench. The weightlifter grabs the dumbbells in a normal way for the exercise and pulls toward himself so that the dumbbells come up to shoulder-height, for example, while causing the uprights to tilt, going against the balance of the forces linked to the weight of the dumbbells and to the counterweights.

Consequently, the weightlifter has his dumbbells exactly in the proper place to be able to proceed with his exercises without having to draw on other muscles, the load being too heavy for certain of his muscles, the skeleton no longer making it possible to exert a force under a load beyond certain angles.

It is also noted that the fact of having weight rests immediately nearby, precisely positioned, on stand-by, makes it possible for the weightlifter to go further forward in his exercises because he knows that he will not have to make a final effort, in an unconventional position, to put his dumbbells back on the ground as in the practices in the prior art.

The dumbbells at the end of the exercise are replaced on their supports, the weightlifter keeping his arms stretched and performing a slight pivoting toward the front up to the plates.

The device thus makes it possible to proceed to specific exercises with the dumbbells, by performing correct movements and only these movements, without undesirable movements when picking up the dumbbells and when setting down the dumbbells. Putting the dumbbells into place on the dumbbell rests initially is facilitated by the fact that it is a matter of one dumbbell at a time, just like the removal, moreover, avoiding injuries.

This embodiment can be transformed into a second embodiment with the same elements, namely two uprights with dumbbell supports mounted mobile in translation on each of the posts but also in rotation. The modification relates to the bench that is mounted to slide on its rail and is therefore mobile in translation. The rail goes beyond on both sides of the posts that are then stationary so as to be able to incline the bench from the back toward the posts or facing said posts.

This arrangement makes it possible to perform all of the exercises as above, the space requirement in length being greater.

The invention is now described according to a third embodiment with regard to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. The identical references bear the same references increased by 100.

In FIG. 5, the device comprises a base 110 comprising two stationary longitudinal rails 112G and 112D defining an axis XX′, X being the back of the device and X′ being the front of said device.

This base 110 also comprises lateral stabilization elements 114.

The device further comprises a bench 116 intended to receive the weightlifter, said bench being oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis XX′. This bench 116 comprises a footing 118 that is mounted mobile in translation relative to the base so as to make possible a translation of the bench relative to the rails and mobile in rotation so as to be able to take at least two positions at 180°, in the direction XX′ or X′X.

The means for movement in translation and in rotation are, for example, a rail with notches for the direction XX′ and vice-versa, but also a double plate with rollers interposed and notching for locking in position. This makes it possible to turn the seat clockwise or counter-clockwise, interchangeably.

The bench 116 itself comprises a seat 120-1 and a back 120-2, as above.

The two parts, seat 120-1 and back 120-2, are each mobile in pivoting relative to an axis transverse to the axis XX′, so as to make possible a modification of the angle of each of the two parts relative to said footing, as a function of the exercise to be practiced, this in a way that is very well known.

The device is completed by vertical supports 124 in the form of uprights 124G, 124D. These uprights are mounted stationary in translation on the rails on which they are mounted.

In this second embodiment according to this invention, each upright comprises—at the foot—means 128 for limited tilting of the uprights. These means 128G and 128D for limited tilting comprise an axis 130G, 130D for pivoting of each upright, these axes being oriented perpendicular to the axis XX′ so as to make possible a limited tilting of each upright by a given angle α toward the front relative to the vertical and by a given angle β toward the back relative to the vertical; in this case, the two angles a and _(R) can be equal and with a value of between 15° and 30° to give a rough idea also in this third embodiment.

These angles are adjustable by means of stops 134-1G and 134-2G, 134-1D and 134-2D each comprising, for example, an adjustment bolt that goes through said stops. Each bolt serves as a stop, resting on the upper surface of the foot of the upright.

Any other form of stops, particularly circular racks, would be suitable. It is also possible to provide predetermined angles as a function of the known and most practiced exercises.

Each upright 124G, 124D comprises dumbbell supports 136, mobile in translation along said uprights, in the present case, of the supports 136G and 136D as well as counterweights 137G and 137D that are associated with said supports.

Each dumbbell support 136G and 136D comprises a plate 138G, 138D and is integral with a sleeve 140G, 140D. Each sleeve 140G, 140D is mobile in translation on the upright 124G, 124D that carries said dumbbell support. Means for locking in position, not shown, are provided to immobilize said sleeve at a given height, for example a pin and a scale of holes, made along the upright for ease, or self-locking brake pads, pressed by a spring with a braking capacity proportional to the needs: the heavier the load, the greater the braking.

Each plate 138G, 138D is, in an improved way, each composed of two half-plates 138G-1, 138G-2 and 138D-1, 138D-2 leaving a free space E for gripping, with a width that is approximately equal to the passage of a hand and/or of a forearm. This important arrangement makes it possible to grab the dumbbell, with a totally ergonomic position with regard to the exercise to be performed. It is the same when putting each dumbbell back into place on its support, after exercise.

As for the first embodiment, each half-plate comprises means for retaining dumbbells on said half-plates, for example depressions made on the surface of said plates, depressions in which the heavy parts of the dumbbells are positioned, generally disks, placed at the ends of a handle, said handle then being centered on the free space E for gripping. The depressions can also, as above, be replaced or completed by suitable edges and in this case, the retaining means consist of an L-shaped profile to ensure a locking of each dumbbell in the direction in which the weightlifter cannot ensure this locking. Advantageously, the dumbbells can have a polygonal shape of the heavy parts to improve stability.

Use of the weight-lifting device according to this invention occurs in the manner that is now described with regard to FIGS. 6 and 7 as well as FIG. 5.

The user positions himself with the seat in the position shown in FIG. 5 in which the back is in inclined position and the uprights are facing the back, the user looking away from the support uprights of the dumbbells.

The user takes the precaution of adjusting the height of the supports, the position of the seat in translation, the height in relation to the ground, as a function of his morphology.

Since the dumbbells are on the supports, the user grabs the dumbbells in customary fashion, pulls on said dumbells/supports/uprights, which causes the assembly to tilt toward the front as a function of the needs of the user who still does not have to take up the load of the dumbbells.

Then, the user lifts the dumbbells and practices his exercises under the best conditions. As soon as the dumbbells are lifted and therefore disengaged from the supports, the uprights/supports resume their initial position, clearing the exercise zone.

After his series, the user keeps his arms stretched and slightly tilts his arms toward the back, without effort and deposits the dumbbells on their supports in great comfort because of the accessible shape of the supports with immobilization of said dumbbells and a very easy clearing of the hands and wrists. Even after a significant effort, the user no longer has to continue the effort for the depositing, devoting all muscular intensity to the exercise.

In FIG. 6, the user lowers the dumbbell supports onto the uprights and positions the bench horizontally, seat and back in the same plane. He takes the precaution of making all of the usual adjustments.

As above, the dumbbells are available without the user having to lift them up off the ground, in an uncomfortable position, which can induce even more serious muscular problems, as a result of the tilting of the uprights/supports/dumbbells.

Safety is absolute because there is no effort to replace the dumbbells on the supports at the end of the exercise.

The pivoting of the uprights/supports/dumbbells is performed exactly in the same way as above.

In FIG. 7, the arrangement is modified in the sense that the bench is moved backward and the seat with its back is pivoted by 180° to place the user, once seated, facing the uprights and the dumbbell supports.

The back of the bench is inclined or vertical depending on the exercises and the user.

The bench is adjusted in translation to place the user under the best conditions in relation to the uprights.

The supports are also adjusted in height on the uprights and these supports are loaded with dumbbells.

The user pulls toward himself the uprights/supports/dumbbells while having in hand said dumbbells, lifts them from their supports and proceeds to his series of exercises, the uprights/supports resuming their initial position clearing the exercise zone. 

1. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, comprising a base (10, 100), a bench (16, 116) with a footing (18, 118) integral with said base with a longitudinal axis XX′, wherein the uprights (24G, 24D; 124G, 124D) comprise dumbbell supports (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) that are intended to receive dumbbells, and the uprights (24G, 24D; 124G, 124D) comprise means (28, 128) for limited tilting, parallel to the axis XX′.
 2. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1, wherein the uprights comprise an axis (30G, 30D; 130G, 130D) for pivoting each upright, these axes (30G, 30D; 130G, 130D) being oriented perpendicular to the axis XX′ so as to make possible a limited tilting of each upright by a given angle α toward the front relative to the vertical and by a given angle β toward the back relative to the vertical.
 3. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 2, wherein the angle is between 15° and 30°.
 4. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) is equipped with a counterweight (37G, 37D; 137G, 137D).
 5. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) is integral with a sleeve (40G, 40D; 140G, 140D) mounted mobile in translation on a corresponding upright (24G, 24D; 124G, 124D).
 6. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 5, wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) comprises connecting means (42G, 42D; 142G, 142D) with the sleeve (40G, 40D; 140G, 140D), connecting means that are mobile in rotation, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the upright that carries it.
 7. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 further comprising two rails (12G, 12D), two carriages (26G, 26D) mounted mobile in translation on said rails, the two uprights (24G, 24D) being integral with these carriages.
 8. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 wherein the bench (16) is mounted mobile in translation.
 9. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 wherein the bench (16) is mounted mobile in translation along the axis XX′, on both sides of said uprights.
 10. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 wherein the bench (116) is mounted mobile in translation and in rotation.
 11. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 character wherein base (10) comprises lateral stabilization elements (14).
 12. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D) comprises a plate (38G, 38D), and each plate (38G, 38D) comprises two half-plates (38G-1, 38G-2 and 38D-1 and 38D-2) leaving a free space E for gripping.
 13. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 1 wherein the bench (16, 116) comprises a seat (20-1, 120-1) and a back (20-2, 120-2).
 14. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 2, wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) is equipped with a counterweight (37G, 37D; 137G, 137D).
 15. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 3, wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) is equipped with a counterweight (37G, 37D; 137G, 137D).
 16. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 2, wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) is integral with a sleeve (40G, 40D; 140G, 140D) mounted mobile in translation on a corresponding upright (24G, 24D; 124G, 124D).
 17. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 3, wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) is integral with a sleeve (40G, 40D; 140G, 140D) mounted mobile in translation on a corresponding upright (24G, 24D; 124G, 124D).
 18. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 4, wherein each dumbbell support (36G, 36D; 136G, 136D) is integral with a sleeve (40G, 40D; 140G, 140D) mounted mobile in translation on a corresponding upright (24G, 24D; 124G, 124D).
 19. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 2, further comprising two rails (12G, 12D), two carriages (26G, 26D) mounted mobile in translation on said rails, the two uprights (24G, 24D) being integral with these carriages.
 20. Weight-lifting device with dumbbells, having multiple functions, according to claim 3, further comprising two rails (12G, 12D), two carriages (26G, 26D) mounted mobile in translation on said rails, the two uprights (24G, 24D) being integral with these carriages. 